ALTERNATIVE VENUE
Sponsored by:
Talent spotter
Pragnesh Karunakaran,
MD of Red Recruitment,
talks recruitment trends
and challenges with Jacky
Isaac, group HR director at
Ricoh Arena
Nottingham
Conference Centre
Fresh from its Best Exhibition Space win at
the Academic Venue Awards, EN checks
out the events offering at Nottingham
Conference Centre
Nottingham Conference Centre (NCC) was opened in 2010 as part
of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of two of Nottingham Trent
University’s Grade II-listed buildings.
Since then it has firmly established itself as one of the premier events
venues in the East Midlands, hosting more than 500 clients events every
day. The NCC has access to the large open areas at the university
when feasible, and commands a combined space of over 3,500sqm,
with seven rooms able to hold between 100 and 450 delegates.
The combination of spaces used for exhibitions and events depends
on the format and size of the event, with the NCC team able to connect
the university’s lecture theatres for large bookings and provide catering
in three or four areas to spread footfall evenly.
Sustainability
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is high on the
NCC’s list of priorities; the venue – as part of Nottingham Trent University
– has been in the top ten of the People & Planet University League since
2009. The league is a comprehensive and independent league table of
UK universities by environmental and ethical performance.
Any new building built on the university campus is built to BREEAM
sustainability standards.
The importance placed on sustainability at the NCC’s has brought
returning customers such as Nottingham Viva! Vegan festival and the
main exhibition and conference of the National Energy Association,
which is required to demonstrate its energy efficiency.
Some of the smaller touches that the venue employs are motion
sensitive lighting for its meeting rooms, reusable glass water bottles,
encouraging delegates to use their own pads and pens and replacing
plastic spoons and cutlery with more sustainable alternatives.
Nottingham Trent University’s transport plan is also linked to
EcoCampus, a collaborative environmental management scheme
between the university and Loreus consultancy firm.
What characteristics do you look for when looking for
candidates?
When employing any candidate, the balance is between skills
and behaviours, as skills you can develop and behaviour is
part of the individual’s ‘make-up’. Add the right values and
attitude and an HR professional can leverage what they need
to find a successful employee.
What do you do differently to attract potential staff?
I am fortunate to work across two sectors, both of which
have attributable levels of excitement in busy and fast-moving
environments. That in itself provides the Ricoh Arena and
Wasps with an exceptional platform to attract people.
How did you progress to your position?
I have been privileged in my career to have the opportunity
to work for and with some amazing people in some fantastic
environments. If I have learnt anything it is to take whatever
I have been taught and the opportunities I have been given
with an open mind and this has helped to drive my career.
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
In today’s society, people’s expectations are often influenced
and can be raised by the sheer volume of communication
they face through myriad channels. For me and my senior
colleagues and team members that work across Wasps and
the Ricoh Arena the challenge is not always about attempting
to meet individual expectations but rather encouraging them
to be the very best they can possibly be in this fast-paced
exciting environment.
What is the current climate and what are the trends?
Whatever the outcome of Brexit, the hospitality industry
would miss the skills and the experience currently available
from various parts of Europe. The government’s initiative
around apprenticeships will provide the West Midlands and
the UK with the opportunity to reinvigorate the adage that
it is ‘OK’ to learn how to do something well and this will
help to fill a potential skills gap. It should not be forgotten
the hospitality industry in the UK can offer a diverse and
fulfilling career on so many levels.
What are you doing differently this year?
Coventry will be the City of Culture in 2021 and the Ricoh
Arena a venue for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. My
approach for this coming year is to continue to consolidate
our position in providing opportunities across a wide range
of roles in a flexible and exciting work environment, ensuring
our business continues to be successful and we are ready for
the opportunities that are presented in 2021 and 2022.
exhibitionnews.co.uk | January 2019
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